I started swapping out my vent boots every spring and fall after a couple of surprise leaks (thanks, Midwest weather). I use those flexible rubber ones, but they seem to get brittle by the end of winter. It’s kind of a pain, honestly, but I’d rather do that than deal with water stains on my ceiling again. Anyone else notice the rubber just doesn’t hold up? Or am I overdoing it with the seasonal swap? Curious if anyone’s found a longer-lasting option or if this is just normal.
Honestly, swapping out vent boots every season sounds like overkill to me. Those flexible rubber ones are notorious for cracking in harsh climates, but there are better options out there. I’ve seen silicone or even lead-collared boots last way longer, especially on Midwest roofs that see wild temp swings. The upfront cost is higher, but you’re not climbing up there twice a year. Just seems like less hassle in the long run.
- Swapping vent boots every season? That’s a lot of trips up the ladder.
- I manage a bunch of older duplexes in the upper Midwest—those rubber boots barely last two winters here.
- Silicone’s been a game changer for us. Costs more up front, but we’re not patching leaks or replacing boots every spring.
- Lead collars are solid too, but some folks don’t like the look.
- Honestly, I’d rather pay a bit more once than keep sending someone up there every few months.
- Only exception: if you’ve got a super steep roof or crazy tree debris, sometimes nothing lasts as long as you’d hope... but still, seasonal swaps seem like overkill.
Seasonal swaps sound like a nightmare, honestly. I’ve seen folks try to stretch those cheap rubber boots through a few winters up here (I’m in Wisconsin), and it’s just not worth the hassle. The freeze-thaw cycles chew them up fast—sometimes you’ll see splits or even the whole thing pulled loose by spring. I’ve crawled through more than a few attics with water stains around the vent pipes because someone tried to get “one more season” out of a cracked boot.
Silicone boots are definitely a step up. I’ve recommended them to a few clients with older homes, and they’re usually surprised how much longer they last. The upfront cost stings a bit, but when you factor in the time (and risk) of climbing up there every year, it’s a no-brainer for most people. Lead collars are solid too, but yeah, not everyone loves the look—plus, I’ve seen squirrels gnaw on them in a couple neighborhoods, which is wild.
One thing I’ll say—if you’ve got a steep roof or a ton of overhanging trees, nothing’s truly “set it and forget it.” I inspected a place last fall where the boots were fine, but a branch had gouged right through the flashing. Sometimes you just can’t win.
I get the temptation to go cheap and swap often, but unless you’re already up there for other stuff, it’s just not worth the risk or the time. I’d rather see folks spend a little more on something that’ll last, especially with how unpredictable Midwest weather can be.
I’ve noticed the same thing with those rubber boots—they just don’t stand up to Midwest winters. The constant freeze and thaw seems to make them crack way sooner than you’d expect. I’ve tried both the silicone and lead options on my own house and for clients, and honestly, silicone’s been the sweet spot for me. Not as pricey as lead, but it holds up way better than rubber. Only catch is making sure it’s actually installed right—seen a few where folks just slap them on and call it good, but if the seal isn’t tight, you’re still risking leaks. Sometimes feels like no matter what you pick, Midwest weather finds a way to mess with it... but at least with silicone, I’m not swapping them out every season.
